Taxidea taxus
A digging machine — huge front claws and wide elliptical burrow entrances.
2–3 in. Five toes with enormous front claws. Toes point slightly inward (pigeon-toed). Large oval burrow entrances in open ground. Fresh dirt fans at the den.
Prairie, sagebrush, farmland. Central and western North America.
Mostly nocturnal
Ground squirrels, gophers, snakes, insects
Badgers and coyotes sometimes hunt together — one digs, one chases.
Should I be concerned?
Do not corner one. They are fearless and well armed.